Lesson 8-1:
Length in the
Customary System
Conversions for Length in the Customary System
(Conversion Factors)
1, 760 yd = 1 mi
Strategy
• When converting from a large unit to a
small unit, multiply by the conversion
factor.
• When converting from a small unit to a
larger unit, divide by the conversion
factor.
Units from: Small
Inch (in)
Foot (ft)
Yard (yd)
Large
Mile (mi)
Changing Units
• Determine the direction of the change
(LS or SL)
• Determine if you are going to multiply or
divide.
Example 1
7 yards = _____ ft
L  S so you are going to multiply
(1 yard = 3 feet)
7 X 3 = 21
Therefore 7 yd = 21 ft
Example 2
2 miles = ______ ft
LS
2 steps are needed.
Step 1: Convert miles to yards
Step 2: Convert yards to miles
(1 mile = 1,760 yards)
2 miles = 3,520 yards
(1 yard = 3ft)
3,520 yard = 10, 560 ft
Therefore, 2 miles = 10,560 Ft
Example 3
40 in = ______ ft
SL
40 ÷ 12
1
1
We can divide fractions so
that remainders can be
described as fractions.
10 40 x 1
1
12 3
10
3
=
3
1
3
Therefore 40 in = 3 1/3 ft